Cathay Pacific Airways Interview

[Flyingdutchman]

I'll take a yank over a european ab-intio student anytime. Sure, getting your FAA ATP is one big joke. But atleast most of you guys know how to fly a airplane by the time you get a 737/747 job.

FD

(FAA CPL, JAA ATPL)

 

[Bjammin]

I only been here a short while, but the atmospere seems great. About 4 years ago I imagine it was quite different. Pilots are not the type of people to sit around and take it when an airline "gets rid of" a few of their own. Even in the interview they talked about how management and flight crew were very much at odds at one time, but how much better it has become. The 49's were, and still are, a big issue, but I think the airline realizes it was a HUGE black eye and truly wants to move on and so does the union. It cost Cathay millions in legal fees, maybe even lost revenue, and definately a huge pilot resource in North America for some time steming from a backlash from unions in the states. I think alot of older North American pilots still see Cathay as an evil network, and have trouble excepting the airline as a respectable foreign carrier, that's understandable. I think in time that attitude will change, especially as some US carriers have made some very questionable decisions of their own.
I am not an expert on much of anything by any means, but I see this as a great place to be right now. The airline is recruiting like mad, taking atvantage of the booming Asian economy, and is really trying hard to create a possitive atmoshere for all it's employies. There are people out there that would bitch if you GAVE them a million dollars, but I for one am very glad to be here and have not noticed anyone treating me, a US homebread soldier boy, different from anyone else.
As far as training, your right, it doesn't matter which country you come from IF you have the propper attitude, but getting your licence in the states seems to be much easier then most countries and this Pay For Training thing is truly dumbing down the pilot base, in my humble opinion. The North Americans that Cathay seems to be recruiting are, for the most part, very professional seasoned avaitors. Either guys with 1000's of hours flying for 135 or 121's or military trained guys. Both groups bring lots to the table especially in "flying sence", but I see that we also lack the book knowlege of our counterparts. However, because these guys are professionals they study very hard and get 90+ on these Hong Kong ATPL exams. I commend all thse guys that come over here and put in the effort. It's great to be in their company.

 

[semperfido]

Sure, getting your FAA ATP is one big joke. But atleast most of you guys know how to fly a airplane by the time you get a 737/747 job.


FD

(FAA CPL, JAA ATPL)

and you are soooo much better at getting people from point a to point b. big deal

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Dude, read between the lines.. I'm saying that id rather fly wit a FAA pilot instead of a JAA (low hour) pilot.

FD

 

[semperfido]

touche....

 

[§kyye Candy]

Always surprising to me how many pilots out there don't remember some of the basic equations... for instance, top of descent.

People get used to the "chop and drop" mentality, especially at those middle-of-nowhere airports.

Kinda scary when you're going into "BFE" at mins!!!

 

[tri]

I also have an interview with Cathay Pacific. It's for a 2nd Officer position to be based in HNK. How long will I be there before I can return to a base in the States, or elsewhere? Can I switch to the Cargo Ops later?(and keep my seniority) WHat is that timeframe like? If I were to get my ATP (was going to let my company pay for it, but we quit upgrading to Capt), would that help for a FO position on freight during the interview?

Thanks

 

[On Your Six]

I believe Freighter FOs have to go to the SO position eventually if they want to fly on the PAX side. So, if you want to ultimately fly PAX for Cathay, it's better to start on the SO position despite the time spent in HKG. I don't know about US bases for pax-flying pilots at Cathay. If you want to fly a 777 for Cathay, all of your flying will originate in HKG with no US flying on that fleet as far as I know...

 

[720degpersec]

Hey Typhoon pilot, You would be surprised how many non-u.s. pilots don't understand the basic concept of insturment flying. I mean these losers could not hand fly a steam gauge jet to 50 ft, on raw data If there life depended on it. Which it might someday Mr. glass cockpit. I wonder how many of these wonder boys would fair without a quality dispatch and operations network. I mean without all that help would they have the experience and backgroung to make safe decisions? But I gusse it dosesn't matter if you get a bad flight plan from some flight follower who just got hired at your supplemental air carrier. I mean He/She has now idea the difference between a dc-8 or a 747. Whats the big deal about planning a flight to PHNL and making Hickman airforce base the alternate? Hey as long as you understand the "BASICS CONCEPTS OF TAKEOFF AND LANDIDNG PERFORMENCE" you will be all right. I would like to open a can of good old american whoop ass on your face you arrogant Farking arshole!

Cheers!

Hey Idiot, (yes with a capital I)

I have flown for a european major carrier, and have now flown for 3 different carriers here in the USA.

I have seen a lot more worse sticks here in the USA then in Europe. And that goes for ex-military and ex-civilians...hmmm training maybe ?
It has nothing to do with books my friend, the quality of training at the european airline I was at surpassed anything I have seen here.

I have seen so many guys HERE IN THE USA, ex-Dash, F-14s or whatever airplane you want who can't calculate a descent and end up too high. I've done several PCs here, where the guy I flew with was rated PASS, and he would have failed miserably over in Europe.

'Nuff said.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Don't like it here in the US? Then leave. And don't let the door hit you on your way out.

FD

 

[720degpersec]

Don't like it here in the US? Then leave. And don't let the door hit you on your way out.

FD

Hey Idiot number 2,

I am American...

 

[Flyingdutchman]

so?

regards,
nr. 2

 

[Draginass]

Hey Idiot number 2,

I am American...

Then I guess you suck too.

BTW, I've flown for several carriers too here in the US and have never seen anyone that can't calculate a top of descent point. YFOS.

Ditto on the door on the way out, pal.

 

[Pickle]

You don't ever have to be SO, in fact you WON'T be SO, if you are hired as an FO.

If hired as FO on the freight fleet, after 3 years (if there is a position on your aircraft open) you can bid over to the pax fleet as FO. Not just into HKG either.